China hands over new parliament building to Malawi

09:59, May 22, 2010

China on Friday handed over to the Malawian government new parliament building.

In a very colorful ceremony held at the new parliament site in the Malawian capital Lilongwe, the leader of the delegation from China, Li Zhaoxing who is also chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, described the new parliament building as the fruit of the hard work and cooperation of the two countries.

In his remarks, Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika described the building as a great milestone for the country.

"I am delighted that my dream has come true. The construction of this parliament (building) is an extremely important milestone for the Malawi government and I am glad that China has delivered its promises in time," said the president.

He also said the modern technology and facilities that had been installed in the new parliament would offer a conducive environment for members of parliament to interface with the electorate and other interest groups.

Speaker for the Malawi National Assembly, Henry Chimunthu Banda, also described the new parliament building as a great relief to the legislature.

"With this building, China has given the legislature not only a home, but a decent home...Today marks a new chapter of parliament democracy in Malawi and we are very proud to be part of that history," said the speaker.

Li said, "The new parliament building is the fruit of the win- win cooperation between the two governments, a monument to the China-Malawi friendship and the wisdom and hard work of the contractors."

Li also said the inauguration of the parliament structure proved China's commitment to developing Malawi and other African countries.

In February 2009, China started the construction of the parliament building.

The new parliament building has the capacity of 288 seats. The modern and high-tech facilities include CCTV security devices, offices and cabinet room, presidential suite, press gallery and public gallery, electronic voting system, LCD TV system, banking facilities, cafeteria and a library.